People are fond of claiming that Stoke is a tough place to go, but the truth is that they lost six games at the Britannia last season and their overall home record ranked 13th in the league. Villa were 12th if you’re interested.

We haven’t beaten Stoke at the Britannia yet, the last league win on their own turf being a 3-1 win at the old Victoria Ground in 1984.

So far this season, their home record is played one, lost one. Tottenham came away with all three points thanks to Gareth Bale’s first half brace, the second being one of the sweetest volleys you’re ever likely to see. Tottenham are less direct than Villa and more comfortable moving the ball laterally, but their passing chart from that game might give you a sense of what we’ll be coming up against tonight:-

Tottenham struggled for penetration in the final third, Bale’s left flank the clear focus with 50% of their attacks being funnelled down that side of the pitch. Stoke were obviously far more direct and despite having 42% of possession and a 37% share of the completed passes, they managed 19 attempts on goal to Tottenham’s 9, both achieving 6 on target as shown below (Stoke on the left, Tottenham on the right):-

The Guardian feel that Pullis will move Rory Delap into the centre to partner Whelan in place of Dean Whitehead to accommodate Jermaine Pennant on the right, which will be interesting as it will require some improvisation at throw ins if they intend to use Delap’s key weapon.

Stoke can also now boast Eidur Gudjohnsen in their ranks of course, although he’s, how shall we say, lacking a little fitness at the moment. Don’t count out a late appearance from the bench and we know he’s got the ability to score.

Other than that, we know what to expect: direct and uncompromising stuff from Stoke, not pretty, but potentially very effective. We, of course, will be without le gaffer, but hopefully there’s nothing awkward about KMac continuing to take charge after belatedly throwing his hat in the ring for the job.

Probably more or less unchanged from the Everton game, Reo-Coker should hold off Ireland who has been back in training, maybe Carlos Cuellar coming in for James Collins whose cheekbone was feared broken playing for Wales during the break.

Amazingly, a win will take us to third place with 9 points, equalling last year’s record after four games, only 1998/99’s 10 points being superior in the Premier League. A draw will take us to fifth, above City.

Update: Tony Pullis will not be present due to “personal family reasons” according to Four Four Two.

Confirmed team will appear below when available

Villa Starting XI: Friedel, L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Downing, A Young, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Guzan, Beye, Ireland, Heskey, Cuellar, Clark, Hogg.

Stoke Starting XI: Sorensen, Huth, Collins, Jones, Wilson, Shawcross, Whitehead, Walters, Delap, Faye, Etherington.

Subs: Begovic, Whelan, Gudjohnsen, Higginbotham, Fuller, Pennant, Wilkinson.